Plan Panel Oks Chicago River Work

June 15, 1990

CHICAGO — The Chicago Plan Commission approved guidelines Thursday for developers of the downtown portion of the Chicago River.

After the meeting, Reuben Hedlund, chairman of the commission, outlined another broad plan for infrastructure and other improvements that would be needed if the city expands McCormick Place and constructs a domed stadium for the Chicago Bears. Included in the plan are measures to reroute the northbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive to the west of Soldier Field and building a new traffic interchange at 18th Street and Lake Shore Drive.

These and other possible changes for the stadium infrastructure have been previously announced by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. The guidelines for Chicago River development include setback requirements for buildings to allow pedestrian corridors and landscaping requirements along the river.

The guidelines apply to the portion of the Chicago River bounded by Chicago Avenue on the north, Cermak Road on the south, and the lock at Lake Michigan on the east. Mayor Richard Daley has announced plans to introduce an ordinance to the Chicago City Council to enforce the plan commission guidelines.